Call for unpaid adult carers to tell government what they need

Carer Support South Lakes is urging unpaid carers of all ages in the area to speak up about what support they need from government by filling in an online form.

The findings of the survey will help national lobbying body, the Carers Trust, in their campaign to improve future aid for carers.

Mike Seaton from the Kendal based charity, which provides support, guidance and services to 1350 unpaid carers, says the more carers that make their views known, the more powerful the findings will be when presented to government.

Carers Trust want the government to hear what support unpaid carers need to continue in their caring role and what sort of reform of the social care system will support carers most effectively.

A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability and mental health problems, or an addiction who cannot cope without their support.

“There are 12,000 unpaid carers across the county looking after loved ones who cannot look after themselves, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They need looking after too,” said Mike.

“It should take less than 10 minutes to complete the online survey which can be found on the home page of carers.org. It closes at 10pm on Sunday 18 October.

“Anyone who is not sure if they are a carer can contact us for an assessment. Being recognised as an unpaid carer opens the doors to lots of support, rights and help.

“We operate from a strength-based approach, looking at what carers are already accomplishing, what support networks they have and then filling in the gaps via a support plan.

“People can phone us on 01539 815970 or email to self-refer or go via their GP.

The Carers Trust survey is now live and will run up to Sunday 18 October at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/carerstrustautumn

Carer Support South Lakes is one of over 120 network partners of The Carers Trust making it the largest one across the UK specialising in the support and wellbeing of unpaid carers.